If you’re living with diabetes, one area of the body you need to be especially aware of is your feet. We’ve all likely taken our feet for granted at one time or another, but people living with diabetes are at particular risk for a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes.
What are diabetic foot ulcers? A diabetic foot ulcer is a wound, or sore, on the foot of someone living with diabetes. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to severe infections that may result in amputation. Because the consequences of not treating a diabetic foot ulcer are so potentially dire, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you realise an ulcer is present.
Seek Immediate Treatment If You Have a Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer
If you’re concerned that you have a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer, make an appointment to see your doctor, and read more to educate yourself.
What Are Diabetic Sores And Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic sores and foot ulcers are an issue commonly faced by those living with diabetes. They are wounds on the feet, and around 15-25% of people with diabetes develop them. They may start as a small injury, like a cut, a blister, or dry and cracked skin.
If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage caused by your diabetes) you’re at a greater risk of developing a diabetic sore or ulcer. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy starts as an abnormal sensation in your feet, which can spread to your legs. Around half the people who develop diabetic foot ulcers also have peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is a blockage of your arteries in the legs.
If you do develop diabetic sores or foot ulcers they are best treated by medical professionals, including your GP, a diabetes specialist, or a foot specialist (such as the staff at Northwich Foot Clinic).
What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are primarily caused by two major complications of diabetes: nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease). Neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it hard to feel injuries, while poor circulation impairs wound healing, increasing the risk of infection and ulcers.
- Neuropathy: Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to decreased sensation. This means injuries like cuts or blisters may go unnoticed and untreated, eventually leading to ulcers.
- Poor Blood Circulation: Diabetes can lead to atherosclerosis, where the blood vessels narrow and harden, reducing blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation can slow down the healing process of wounds, significantly increasing the risk of developing ulcers.
- Foot Deformities and Pressure Points: Nerve damage and poor blood flow can also lead to changes in the shape of the feet and toes, creating pressure points that aren’t relieved due to the lack of sensation. Constant pressure on certain parts of the foot can lead to skin breakdown and ulcer formation.
- Injury and Shoe Friction: Footwear that does not fit properly can cause repeated rubbing, leading to blisters and sores that can develop into ulcers.
Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention, which includes managing blood sugar levels, wearing appropriate footwear, and conducting regular foot inspections. If you notice any signs of foot problems, consulting with a healthcare provider promptly can prevent the progression to more severe complications.
Non-Healing Diabetic Sores
Failure to effectively treat a diabetic sore can lead to extreme complications, so it’s vital that you get any sores healing as swiftly as possible. Studies have found that the longer it takes for a diabetic patient to seek professional help for a sore or ulcer, the more likely it is to develop into a non-healing wound.
Prevention, in this case, is always better than cure – as soon as you realise you have a sore or foot ulcer, seek professional help. If you have diabetes, check your feet for sores regularly so that you are aware of any issues as quickly as possible and can seek professional help. Remember, your diabetes may cause damage to the nerves in your feet, so you may not feel any issues going on down there. Visually inspect your feet daily.
When treated promptly you have a good chance that your sore or ulcer will heal. Ensure you keep your feet clean and dry, and follow the advice of your foot doctor. Attending all check up and follow up appointments to ensure that healing is complete is vital; many visit a professional for help once, assume the issue is resolved, and forget about it until it becomes a bigger problem. By then, it’s often too late.
A non-healing core or ulcer can lead to a chronic infection, gangrene, or even – at the most extreme – amputation – so be sure to take them seriously and be vigilant!
If you have a sore or ulcer on your foot don’t delay – book an appointment today and let one of our professionals help you heal.
What are diabetic foot ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores that typically develop on the feet of individuals with diabetes. They are often caused by a combination of poor circulation, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), and foot deformities.
How do diabetic foot ulcers form?
They primarily form due to nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts or blisters. Poor blood circulation also hinders wound healing, increasing the risk of infection and ulcers. Constant pressure from ill-fitting shoes can aggravate these sores into ulcers.
What are the signs of diabetic foot ulcers?
Common signs include swelling, redness, and irritation around a wound on the foot, sometimes accompanied by an unusual odour, pus, or fluid leakage. Many patients do not feel pain due to nerve damage.
Why is it crucial to treat diabetic foot ulcers immediately?
Immediate treatment is vital to prevent infections that can lead to severe complications, such as gangrene or even amputation. Prompt care can drastically improve healing outcomes and reduce the risk of further damage.
How can diabetic foot ulcers be prevented?
Prevention strategies include managing blood sugar levels effectively, wearing appropriately fitted shoes, and inspecting feet daily for any signs of injury. Regular visits to a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist or diabetes specialist, are recommended for ongoing preventive care and to check for early signs of foot complications.
What role does peripheral artery disease (PAD) play in diabetic foot ulcers?
PAD, which involves the blockage of arteries in the legs, exacerbates the risk of ulcers by reducing blood flow necessary for healing. Diabetic individuals with PAD experience more significant challenges in wound healing, underscoring the importance of cardiovascular health management.
Can diabetic sores on legs lead to foot ulcers?
Yes, diabetic sores on legs can indicate an increased risk of ulcers if the skin breaks down further and infection sets in. It’s important to monitor any skin issues closely as part of diabetes management.
Where can I get treatment for diabetic foot ulcers?
Treatment can be obtained from medical professionals who specialise in diabetic care, including GPs, diabetes specialists, and foot specialists. Facilities like Northwich Foot Clinic offer specialised care for diabetic foot conditions and can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
